Gil

Nice fish!

Good idea Thanks

If you don't mind me asking where do you get that kind of foam?

However if people don't raise the profile of the issue by protesting, it will never hit the politicians radar....

I used to use a wider variety of knots a few years ago, however I find a clinche and surgeons do in most situations. I gave up on the improved clinche when I realized if I tied the cliche properly it rarely failed for me. Hint don't pull on the tag and lubricate well. The uniknot is a good knot but takes too long to tie relative to the clinche. Nail knot for attaching your line to the backing....

Nymphing in the winter is generally the best way to go. While this will undoubted be contradicted by some, i find smaller nymphs e.g. #16 work well for me in the winter. San Juan worms, hares ear, prince nymphs and copper johns are always good performers. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

If I was going to buy a new boat I'd have benchs vs pedistal.

Bead it....

I have 3 islanders and had to have the clicker sprocket replace on one this summer. Took 4 weeks to get it back. Upset it took so long.

I use Mustad for anything below #12 but always used premium hooks for smaller sizes. I have to admit though ive never had an issue with a Mustad....

I've been using stimulators more and more and like the pattern. I've always tied in legs on mine. Never gave it much thought since I tend to put legs on just about every terrestrial pattern out of habit whether or not the pattern calls for it. As someone that uses that pattern alot, do you see any benefit? One thing I don't like about bigger legs is that they tend to push the fly away from the fish during a strike.

I used Tiemco for years including for small drys and haven't had too many issues so perhaps I'm being too hard on them, but man that was a nice fish on what was otherwise a so so day......

I had an average day on the Bow today except for one point where I was taken into my backing by a major fish. Just as things were getting real exciting I loose it. Wasn't too surprised since I was using 4 x tippet. Interesting thing is however when i check my line it wasn't the line that broke at all, the #14 (nymph) hook bent out. Couldn't believe the hook would bend before 4x would break. Yes it was fluro, still...really pissed me off. Thinking of switching to another supplier.

You would have to be pretty clueless to not know this is wrong on several fronts. They should have taken his vehicle as well. I'm betting he just does give a damn about the harm he caused.

I bought a 5 wgt BVK a few weeks ago. Love it. Thinking of picking up a six wgt as well.

Saw a lot of rafters on Sunday, as I floated from Police to Mac. Also a lot of beach people at Mac. There should be a rule that you must be carrying a fly rod and a valid fishing licence to be allowed on the river or to park at a launch. Kidding.... sort of ....

Can't get my wife or daughters interested despite years of nagging. Luckily they do like going for the float at least.

Yup. Good people there too. I do most of my shopping there....

The Fishin hole definitely carries tying materials. Prices are generally good. I buy a fair bit of my stuff there.

A long section in front of the hook eye just folds overs in the water and looks unnatural. I would also go simple and dispense with the loop. Consider doing a wire wrap. Have fun.

Spent tonight tying stimulators, which started me worrying about how much hackle I use. I go though a ton of flies it seems since I end up supplying many of my friends that I take down the river. Might have to become less generous switching to foam and SJWs only for friends.

I've done this both in my pontoon when I get too focused on hitting the banks and in my drift boat. We all make mistakes. Like you I always apologize and try to get out of the way of the person. Mistakes I understand. It's the guys that look you in the eye and puts a cast a foot in front of you that gets me.

I'm fishing a spot on the shore and three guys in a drift boat come so close that we are about to tangle lines. The guy in the front is literally casting where I'm standing. So to cast back at the guy which seemed to surprise him. I was with my daughter so I kept my language in check.

Never had an issue with any of my Islanders that I've put through the ringer over the years. Think I stay with what I know I can trust...

Nice pics. You are a lucky guy. My wife and three daughters won't consider picking up a rod although they do like to float.